After I posted my finished Clara Dress, Danica from the Sew Liberated pattern company offered me a free pattern in return for a link to my post after I finish it. Who could resist such a lovely offer?
Enter the Schoolhouse Tunic!
The picture on the pattern envelope has a boho chic vibe going; but, after checking my stash, I decided to go in a completely different direction. Here’s the mood board:
I originally bought the preppy stripe and white fabrics to make a traditional shirt.
The Schoolhouse Tunic has an empire line (a seam just below the bust), a placket that turns to the wrong side and is top-stitched down, and three-quarter-length sleeves. It is designed to be worn over a camisole.
My plan is to turn that placket to the outside and make it white. I also want to add simple white cuffs (bands, really) to the end of the sleeves. I’m not sure how I will run the stripes. I may make them horizontal on the upper bodice and vertical on the lower bodice.
The Schoolhouse Tunic presents an interesting fitting and design challenge. While tunics are generally a flattering look on me, the combination of an empire line and the need for a full-bust adjustment could very well result in a garment that looks like a maternity top.
Shudder.
I am counting on a good fitting job to prevent that. If it all comes together like I hope, it should be a nice layering piece.
Tagged: Schoolhouse Tunic, Sew Liberated
Jeanne Marie’s Sewing Studio 
I lived your version of the Clara dress can’t wait to see what you do with this one!
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Thank you! I’m hoping it comes out well.
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Yes, you may use brown sugar — I have!
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Thank you!
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I really like the direction you’re taking this pattern in. The crisp, lovely striped fabric makes me think of something a mid-century art teacher or artist in their studio might very well have been spotted sporting.
Happy sewing, dear Jeanne Marie!
♥ Jessica
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You have the vision! Unfortunately, as you’ll see in my next post, it didn’t quite work out.
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I love this pattern but after making it realize I must do a FBA to make it work for me.
Do you have a tutorial for this or one you can recommend? After searching the internet I’m at a loss as how to approach this problem.
Thanks for your time!
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I had the same issue but I couldn’t resolve it either! I had to abandon the pattern at the muslin stage.
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